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Message # 3 "Formulated Steps that Prompt us"

Text: II Timothy 1: 13-18

Intro: These verses give us a divine formula that we can build the structure

of the church on. That formula must begin with the infallible, inerrant,

inexhaustible Word of God. The KJV is not

broken, therefore, it does not need fixing. It still has the power of God unto

salvation. Our churches and our Christian lives are suffering from "the

smorgasbord factor". That is pick and

choose what beliefs we have and what doctrines we will adhere to. This

ungodly practice did not come from God's Word but from Satan and the

world. Convictions can never take second

place to choice!

 

 

 

I. A Formula For a Guaranteed Foundation

 

A) Infallible Word (vs 1 "form")

the word "form" means pattern, outline, sketch or model". This divine model

must not be manipulated. It is what it is, as it is. It is our responsibility to

present the Word of God that is without error or contradiction. It is the

standard of success and the measurement

of truth for mankind.

 

B) Inexchangeable Word (vs 13 "hold fast")

the words "hold fast" means "to adhere" or "adhesive". This is talking about

the glue that bonds our salvation to our spiritual lives. Without the glue of

God's Word, we will come apart at the seams. Just as a builder follows the

blueprint to build the home, and the artist follows

the representation of the subject to the portrait, we absolutely must apply

the glue of God's Word to every aspect of our lives.

 

C) Inexhaustible Word ("sound words")

The term "sound words" means "wholesome and healthy". Here are the

vitamins that we must digest in order to have strong and developed spiritual

lives that honor God. On the other hand, digesting spiritual poison, rank

meat, a gospel without power, or heresy will result in the

anemic spirituality we see today.

 

 

 

II. A Formula for a Guarded Faith

 

A) Faith in a Good Thing (vs 14 "that good thing")

This reference is to "the body of truth delivered to Timothy". The word good"

means "genuine and precious". It does allow for the division of of it. It is to

taken as a whole, not part. In the days of "generic things",some feel they can

have a "generic Word" and still have the power of God. It hasn't worked, nor

will it ever work.

 

B) Faith in a Guarded Truth (vs 14 "keep")

The word "keep" means "to guard that which is valuable or precious". It also

carries the indication that something or someone is attempting to steal that

which is being guarded. It also implies that this valuable commodity must be

guarded and perserved in it's total package. To

allow the theft of part is to allow the theft of the whole. The KJV is a complete

package, and it must be guarded in it's entirety.

 

 

 

III. A Formula for a Guided Following

 

A) Following the Directions ("all truth")

 

1) God's Word never stresses on point of doctrine at the expense of another

point of doctrine. Rather, they comliment one another.

2) God's Word never condones what it has condemned in another passage.

3) God's Word never contradicts itself. When there seems to be a contradic-

tion, then that contradiction is our understanding or interpretation.

 

B) Fastening Our Defense (vs 14 "keep by the Holy Ghost")

One of the fallacies of thinking behind the many "perversions" of the Bible is

the cleche that "I can understand it better". However, God said we are to

read the Word. That is our responsibility. The understanding comes from

instruction of the Holy Ghost within us. He is our instructor and guide. "The

natural man receiveth not the things of God, neither can he know them, for

they are spirutally discerned